Top Rated Electric Blankets of 2020 – Our Ratings and Reviews

Top 4 Electric Blanket Reviews

Biddeford MicroPlush

Soft Heat Luxury

Sunbeam Quilted Fleece

Sunbeam Microplush

Heating Blanket Buyer’s Guide

Never simply buy the first model you find in a store. They require electricity so you need to be careful about the quality and safety levels of the one you select.

Also keep practical features in mind so you enjoy your new blanket optimally.

Safety is something you can never ignore when purchasing electrical accessories. If your electric blanket features markings of ‘UL’ or ‘ETL’ you can trust the brand. These are signs the product adheres to necessary safety features.

Because power outlets differ you should also ensure the blanket is appropriate for the country you live in.

Manufacturers usually produce heated blankets to fit standard bed sizes:

• Twin
• Double
• Queen
• King

Some electric covers are available in even more unusual sizes such as short Queen or Twin XL.

Purchase the size closest to the size bed you have. You risk damaging elastics and cords if you use the wrong size. You may not realize the mistake immediately but will see the wear and tear over time since there will be more friction.

Over time electric blankets developed into very technical sleeping accessories. Their many features—such as timers and heat settings—enhance your sleeping experience. They also make them safer.

But what are your requirements? There’s no need to purchase a state of the art product if you simply need the basic features.

Decide what you need—not want—before you go shopping so you only pay for what’s required.

Below we discuss some features in detail to help you make informed decisions.

The better suited to your lifestyle your blanket is, the more you’ll enjoy it. Don’t pick the most expensive one. Find the most appropriate so it’s easy to use and matches your requirements:

• Low voltage products are better if your pet sleeps with you.
• If you share a bed with someone you must be able to regulate the two halves with separate controls. Saving money on buying a simple product can result in extreme frustration if your heating preferences differ too much.
• Pick it up and gauge whether you’ll find it too heavy to sleep under.
• If you have poor eyesight or arthritis, you need simple and large control units.

Can you see how a simple feature implicates how much your blanket enhances your life? It can easily become a bother. Plan well before making your final decision.

You’re going to use it a lot. Ask yourself these questions:

• Will the fabric shed lint?
• Is this a soft enough fabric to sleep under?
• Is this material washable?
• Will this be aesthetically pleasing?
• Is this durable?
• Will the wires’ thickness bother you during use? Thin wires are better than thicker ones.

Your electric blanket should suit your preferences but also the climate you live in. Ask yourself if its maximum heat will suffice.

But the range options also matter. Can you only pick between three settings? High-end products give you up to 10 options so you can find the exact temperature that ensures a comfortable sleep.

Most models have settings enabling 80°F to 108°F. What do you need?

And do you want to experience consistent temperatures? This is necessary if you don’t want to wake up feeling too cold or hot. Some of these products can track the temperature and make adjustments, so your bed is constantly at a certain warmth level.

That’s the ultimate life of luxury!

Now you merely have to find the features you need in a model with a reasonable price tag. If it seems too expensive, calculate your utility savings over the next few years. This may provide the extra money you need to get the model you want.

Average pricing:

• Minimum: $35
• Maximum: $200

Proper Use and Safety Tips

Never take chances with electrical appliances. Manufacturers make these as safe as possible, but the wrong maintenance or use can damage yours without you knowing about it.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Anything placed on the blanket while it’s switched on traps heat. This can result in combustion. This is why you can’t sleep with your electric blanket switched on underneath you or let your pets sleep on top of your bed.
• Check it regularly for any wear and tear. If you find cords or fabric damaged—or see any charred areas—it’s best to throw it away.
• Store it loosely when you place it in a cupboard. This prevents wires getting damaged by tension or items placed on top of it.

Cleaning also requires special care, but is discussed in detail below.

Types of Electric Blankets

Don’t stick to using the blanket types you’re used to. One of these may meet your specific needs better.

An under blanket is what most people are used to. These fit over your mattresses (see our best picks) and usually fasten around them with elastics or cords.

Their sizes are calculated to cover the areas up to where pillows are placed. It’s wise to cover them with a sheet to protect you from excessive heat and prevent friction that could damage the blanket.

I love this idea. Have warmth on top of you so you’re cuddling with a hot blanket. An over blanket can be used on its own or placed inside a duvet. Imagine drawing the heat closer to the area of your body that loses heat the quickest.

Improved technology makes them as comfortable to sleep under as normal blankets. No wires will disturb your sleep.

These are similar to under blankets but they work like fitted sheets:

• There’s an elasticated skirt. This prevents the cover moving while you sleep.
• There is no wiring in the area your pillow will be. This is safer and conserves energy.

It serves the same purpose as a mattress protector so your bed can stay in excellent condition while you stay warm at night. It can add a luxurious feel to the bed because some even have fur exteriors to increase your comfort.

The more padding your bed has the more comfortable it will be. With a heated mattress topper an additional layer of padding is added while you can also enjoy the warmth. They also stay in place with the help of elastic cords.

Imagine cuddling under your favorite blanket on the couch. Now imagine it can heat up to give you additional warmth. They’re as much décor as they are ideal for winter so you can use them for decoration in summer too.

See more top throw picks here.

A heated duvet is an ideal solution if you’re looking for an affordable option. During summer this is simply a duvet. In winter you can switch it on when needed and use the heat functions. No additional accessories or bedding is necessary anymore.

Amazing Features

If you’re used to how electric blankets used to work, you’ll be blown away by how they evolved. These features below make them more dynamic and safer. Which of these is the solution you’ve been hoping for all along?

This is a luxury and safety feature. You can set how long you want your blanket to be warm. It can be programmed to shut off while you’re asleep if you know you won’t need the added heat during the night.

They differ in how warm they can become and how many temperature settings they have. Are you picky about the temperature you sleep at? Look for models with more than three heating options.

Different people have differing needs. Your partner won’t want the same warmth level as you do. Find one that:

• Has two controls so both can set heating levels
• Can heat up the two halves separately

Now both can get what they want.

Some models have Auto-off features, so it’s never a problem when you forget to switch it off. Most timelines are set at maximum 10 hours to prevent overheating.

It will shut down if it reaches too high temperatures.

The moment you get into bed your body heat will adjust the bed temperature. High-end models track these changes and make adjustments so the temperatures stay at levels you’re comfortable with.

Do your feet always feel colder than your body? Pick a model that heats up more in the area that covers the lower part of your body. Now your entire body is warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to learn about a new product is to learn from other consumers. Here are a few items many people wonder about.

Many items are available online or can be purchased directly from suppliers.

Alternatively, you can visit a store so you can feel the blanket’s exterior and pick one soft enough for your tastes.

As mentioned most blankets that are certified as safe have the necessary labeling. You can also use the guidelines stated above regarding:

• Wash options
• Quality of wiring and fabric
• Wear and tear
• Safety features such as Auto-off

With the guidelines in this review, we hope you feel empowered enough to make informed decisions when you start shopping. It’s also important to check your blanket every time you take it out of storage.

Here’s an interesting fact. You can wash your heated blanket!

A few years ago no water was allowed near them. But technology makes anything possible these days. As long as you follow manufacturers’ guidelines, you won’t damage the product or put your family at risk. Most guidelines require:

• They can only be submerged if their cords can be detached. Older ones can be manually cleaned but never submerged entirely.
• Use only gentle settings when using machines and dryers.
• The wires must never be damaged. Don’t put clothes pegs on them and make sure there’s enough space for the blanket to tumble in the machine without getting bundled too tightly.
• Using bleach is never advisable.
• Don’t use too much soap.
• Never iron it.
• Inspect the entire surface before you use it again. You don’t want exposed wires to cause hazards.